Media Statements

The Premier and Minister for the Arts Anna Bligh today announced seven new projects to share in $259 000 in funding to boost Indigenous performing arts in Queensland.

“A Torres Strait Island production that layers myths with the story of a grandmother and her grandson; a project at the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts that builds skills in Indigenous dance; and the staging of a new play by Bungabura Productions will all be supported by the new Indigenous Theatre Fund,” said the Premier.

“The one-off Fund, a joint initiative set up by the Queensland Government and the Federal Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, has clear aims to invigorate and strengthen Indigenous theatre practice in Queensland.

“Queensland has produced many talented artists in the theatrical sector, including Deborah Mailman, director Wesley Enoch and actor Leah Purcell.

“We have to work to ensure the next generation of Indigenous talent gets the best opportunities to learn and to be seen in productions that tell important stories about our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.”

Ms Bligh said the Fund aligned with the Queensland Government’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Strategy 2009-2013.

“This Fund will assist experienced theatrical practitioners to see their work produced and staged but it will also provide job opportunities for emerging Indigenous artists, writers, and producers.

Lyn Wallis, Director of Theatre at the Australia Council for the Arts, said the diversity and quality of projects is exciting.

“Applications to the fund show us an impressive snapshot of the breadth of Indigenous theatre-making in Queensland. Some really significant projects will come to life as a result of this initiative” said Lyn Wallis.

For more information on the Indigenous Theatre Fund go to www.arts.qld.gov.au.

A full list of funded projects follows.

Media Contact: 3224 4500

INIDIGENOUS THEATRE FUND RECIPIENTS

The Payne Street Project

Creative Regions: $19, 800

Engage an emerging writer and a production team in a production for the Dreaming Festival in June 2010 based on the oral history and filmed interviews with the Johnson family and friends.

AMA SAIBAI (Mother Saibai)

Brown Cab Productions: $62, 800

Ama Saibai is a Torres Strait Islander theatrical work told from collections of myths and legend of Saibai Island, a grandmother sharing stories with her grandson.

Bungabura Productions: $50, 000

Funding to create and stage a new Indigenous theatre production.

Chasing the Lollyman

debase: $33, 294

Mark Sheppard’s Chasing the Lollyman is a one-man show about his upbringing in Far North Queensland, celebrating Aboriginal identity and connecting with each other.

Singing up

Insite: $33, 500

A new multi disciplined Indigenous performance, Singing up is produced by Insite Arts Queensland.

Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts: $24, 848

Give students an opportunity to learn from choreographer Gina Rings and actor Leah Purcell to develop and strengthen their skills in the performing arts sector.

Ngai Palti – I am Song : $31 882

Stage production incorporating contemporary movement and song in the Kaurna language inspired by Anangu-Pitjitintjara from song-woman Inawintji Williamson, Ngai Palti.